The cremasteric reflex: a useful but imperfect sign in testicular torsion

The cremaster reflex has been reported to be absent in 100% of cases of testicular torsion, making it a useful sign in this difficult diagnosis. The authors report a case of surgically confirmed testicular torsion in which the cremasteric reflex clearly was present at presentation. The background of this sign and its utility in the evaluation of the acute scrotum are discussed.     

Sutured point-fixation versus Jaboulay fixation for salvaged testicular torsion in children

BackgroundSurgical techniques for fixation of the testis are varied and subject to ongoing debate. Non-sutured techniques may avoid the theoretical morbidities of sutured fixation of the testis yet are criticized for insufficient prophylaxis against future torsion. This study aims to compare outcomes between sutured (point-fixation) versus Jaboulay fixation.MethodsEmergency scrotal explorations performed at a tertiary hospital in the state of South Australia between February 2002 and December 2017 were analyzed to identify cases of testicular torsion. Primary outcome measures included future testicular torsions and return to theater episodes following initial testicular fixation. Secondary outcome measures included re-presentations and post-operative complications.ResultsA total of 482 scrotal compartments were explored in 244 boys with acute testicular torsion. Testis fixation was performed using sutured point-fixation in 58.4% and Jaboulay tunica plication in 41.6%. No future testicular torsion occurred regardless of fixation technique. There were no significant differences in returns to theater (0.4% versus 1.2%, p = 0.12), re-presentations (6.9% versus 6.0%, p = 0.83), and post-operative complications (1.7% versus 1.8%, p = 1.0) in testes that previously underwent sutured or Jaboulay fixation, respectively.ConclusionJaboulay testicular fixation techniques are comparable with sutured point-fixation techniques in effectiveness and morbidity.Type of StudyTreatment Study.Level of EvidenceLevel III.     

Prepubertal testicular torsion: subsequent fertility

Eighteen patients were reviewed 7 to 23 years after prolonged unilateral testicular torsion. They had all undergone surgical untwisting with replacement of the nonviable testis in the scrotum during prepubertal period. Five patients were now married and had fathered one or more children. Thirteen patients were unmarried. There was absence of testis on the affected side in 14 of 18 patients. Four patients had severe testicular atrophy on the affected side (testicular volume less than 1 mL). The contralateral side showed either a normal testicular volume or a compensatory hypertrophy (testicular volume greater than 25 mL). Seminal analysis was done in 13 unmarried men and it was completely normal in 10 patients. Two patients had low sperm density but normal semen volume and motility. One patient had pathologic semen analysis. IgG and IgA specific mixed agglutination reaction (MAR) test did not show evidence of sperm autoantibodies in any patient. Our clinical experience shows that, after prepubertal torsion, the contralateral testis undergoes normal development. Furthermore, torsion in the prepubertal male does not cause autosensitization and diminished fertility in adult life.     

Neonatal scrotal haematoma: mimicker of neonatal testicular torsion

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features of neonatal scrotal haematoma and distinguish them from those of neonatal testicular torsion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Five neonates presenting with an acute scrotum and initial diagnosis of neonatal testicular torsion were found to have neonatal scrotal haematoma. In one case the diagnosis was surgical and in four subsequent cases the diagnosis was by colour Doppler ultrasonography, and surgery was avoided. Four of the five children had risk factors associated with neonatal scrotal haematoma, including bleeding diathesis, birth trauma and high birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of including haematoma in the differential diagnosis of the acute neonatal scrotum is emphasized, as is the value of contemporary Doppler ultrasonography in making this diagnosis.     

睾丸扭转的研究进展

睾丸扭转是泌尿外科最常见的阴囊急症之一,常需要急诊手术以争取保留患侧睾丸。有不少学者认为扭转复位后的睾丸仍存在缺血再灌注损伤并且会对患者性激素水平、生育能力等造成威胁。本文通过综述睾丸扭转的研究进展,以期提高临床医生对睾丸扭转的认识。     

Case report: Traumatic unilateral testicular rupture

IntroductionTesticular trauma is classified aetiologically as blunt, penetrating or degloving. Blunt testicular trauma, caused by interpersonal violence, sporting injuries and RTAs account for the majority of cases, typically affecting males aged 15–40 [1]. Approximately 98.5% of blunt trauma resulted in unilateral testicular injury; about 12–15% involving cyclists or motorcyclists (Cass and Luxenberg, 1988) [2].Presentation of caseA 48-year-old male motorcyclist presented to the accident and emergency department with an acute scrotum following collision with an oncoming vehicle. On arrival, he was fully conscious, tachycardic and hypertensive. Examination of his genitalia revealed ecchymosis of the right hemi-scrotum and perineal bruising. The right hemi-scrotum was grossly swollen but the left testis was normal. Ultrasound revealed gross haematoma and ruptured capsule of the right testicle. Intraoperatively, emergency exploration of the right hemiscrotum revealed evidence of lower pole rupture. Clot evacuation and debridement of necrotic testicular tissue preceded closure of the tunica albuginea.DiscussionThe majority of all testicular ruptures are diagnosed secondary to sport-related injuries [3] and motor vehicle or motorbike accidents. However, analysis of the literature has revealed a total of five cases of rupture, which have been linked to testicular tumours, the most recent of which was reported in 2014 (Lunawat et al., 2014) [5]. In two out of these five cases, trivial trauma preceded the diagnosis. It raises the question whether the presence of malignancy decreases the threshold of suffering a blunt testicular injury hence increasing the likelihood of testicular rupture.ConclusionEmergency assessment and diagnosis as well as scrotal exploration are important components of the management of acute testicular rupture. Analysis of the literature proves that timely surgical intervention is crucial; early intervention results in higher rates of preservation and avoids the need for an orchidectomy.     

The effect of unilateral testicular torsion on the contralateral testicle in prepubertal Chinese hamsters

Recent studies of experimental testicular torsion in rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs have demonstrated conflicting evidence regarding contralateral testicular damage. Those studies in which cellular damage has been found are postulated to result from an immunological mechanism whereby the blood-testis barrier is disrupted with subsequent autoantibody formation. In this study, the histologic and immunologic effects of testicular torsion on the contralateral testicle were investigated in prepubertal Chinese hamsters. Four study groups were established; (1) Left orchiectomy only, (2) sham surgery (scrotal incision), (3) 720 degrees left testicular torsion with left orchiectomy 24 hours later, (4) 720 degrees torsion of left testicle with detorsion after 24 hours. The initial procedure was performed at 1 month of age with subsequent biopsies of the contralateral testicle at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after the initial procedure. Testicular tissue was examined for immunofluorescent activity using fluorescent labeled goat anti-hamster IgG. Positive controls were established by rabbit immunization (rabbit anti-hamster immunoglobulin) which was subsequently combined with fluorescent labeled goat antirabbit IgG. There was no appreciable difference in immunologic activity between control and experimental animals. Representative sections were examined histologically and no tubular damage was demonstrated and active spermatogenesis was noted at 6 months in all groups. We believe that our results support the premise that testicular torsion in the prepubertal period has no effect on the contralateral testicle.     

Magnetic resonance imaging of experimental testicular torsion

We investigated the feasibility of contrast enhanced (CE)-dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of testicular torsion induced hypoperfusion in an experimental rat model. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to unilateral testicular torsion of 360 or 720 degrees. After 1 h, the tail veins of the anaesthetized rats were cannulated and T2 -, diffusion-weighted and T1-weighted CE-dynamic MRI were subsequently performed by a 1.5 T MRI scanner. On apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) images, the region of interest values of the ischaemic and control testes was compared. From CE-dynamic MR images, the maximal slopes of contrast enhancement were calculated and compared. In testicular torsion of 360 degrees, the maximal slope of contrast enhancement was 0.072%/s vs. 0.47%/s in the contralateral control testis (p < 0.001). A torsion of 720 degrees diminished the slope of contrast enhancement to 0.046%/s vs. 0.37%/s in the contralateral testis (p < 0.001). Diminished blood flow during torsion also followed in decreased ADC values in both 360 degrees (12.4% decrease; p < 0.05) and 720 degrees (10.8% decrease; p < 0.001) of torsion. Torsion of the testis causes ipsilateral hypoperfusion and decreased gadolinium uptake in a rat model that can be easily detected and quantified by CE-dynamic MRI. In diffusion-weighted MRI images, acute hypoperfusion results in a slight decrease of ADC values. Our results suggest that CE-dynamic MRI in combination with diffusion-weighted MRI can be used to detect compromised blood flow due to acute testicular torsion.     

Acute scrotal pain with a twist

Intratesticular lesions identified on ultrasound are usually malignant. It presents a particular dilemma to the surgeon when conservative approach is considered. A 55-year-old smoker with peripheral vascular disease had attended the accident and emergency with acute left hemiscrotal pain of 24-h duration. Clinical examination revealed a swollen, tender hemiscrotum. Ultrasound had demonstrated a hypo-echoic lesion in the testis measuring 2 × 1.8 cm. This was reported as possible infarct and managed conservatively. On review after 4 weeks, the patient was still symptomatic with persistent dull pain. A repeat scan in 4 weeks showed persistence of the lesion raising the possibility of tumour. Tumour marker profile was not elevated. The patient had a radical orchidectomy and the histology showed segmental infarction of the testis with thrombosis of the segmental testicular vessels. Peripheral vascular disease can cause segmental infarction of the testis due to the end arterial blood supply; in these cases, magnetic resonance scan can be diagnostic. Once confirmed, segmental infarcts can be safely managed conservatively.     

睾丸扭转(附18例报告)

目的　总结睾丸扭转的诊治经验。　方法　回顾性分析 18例睾丸扭转患者的临床资料。 18例平均年龄 2 3岁 ,<2 5岁者占 83% ,左侧占 83%。发病至确诊时间 5h～ 4 0d ,10h以上者占 89%。　结果　早期误诊 15例。 4例隐睾扭转者行睾丸切除术 ;14例阴囊内睾丸扭转者中 ,11例 (79% )因睾丸坏死予以切除 ,3例手术复位者随访 6个月～ 3年 ,睾丸萎缩 1例。　结论　隐睾扭转应与腹股沟嵌顿疝和急腹症鉴别 ,阴囊内睾丸扭转应与睾丸炎及附睾炎鉴别。早期手术探查对提高睾丸存活率有重要意义     

精索扭转的诊断与治疗(附21例报告)

目的：总结精索扭转的诊治经验。方法：回顾性分析21例精索扭转的临床诊治资料。结果：1例手法复位成功，5例行睾丸复位固定术，15例行坏死睾丸切除术。结论：彩色多普勒超声成像是诊断精索扭转的可靠方法，早期积极手术探查是提高睾丸成活率的关键。     

睾丸扭转和精索扭转的诊断与治疗(附68例报告)

目的:探讨睾丸和精索扭转的诊断与治疗方法,提高睾丸和精索扭转的治疗水平。方法:对68例睾丸和精索扭转的临床资料进行总结,68例平均年龄21岁,<20岁者占84%,左侧55例占80.8%.发病至确诊时间6h～30天,12h以上者占90.2%。结果:53例术前彩色多普勒血流动态显象(CDFI)应作为诊断疾病的常见与首选检查方法。诊断并经手术证实,符合率100%,经手术探查;41例行手术复位、固定,睾丸获救。27例行患侧睾丸切除术,所有病例均行对侧探察,固定。结论:阴囊X核素显象,B超对睾丸精索扭转早期诊断有帮助。早期诊断,及时治疗是提高疗效的关键。彩色多普勒血流动态显象应作为诊断该疾病的常见及首选检查方法,对睾丸精索一旦确诊或疑有精索扭转的患者应及早行紧急复位,以期挽救睾丸,同时行睾丸固定术也十分必要。对于确诊毫无保留价值的睾丸需行切除术。     

Pentoxifylline improves blood flow to both testes in testicular torsion

Objectives: Electromagnetic and radioisotopic studies have shown thatunilateral testicular torsion causes a decrease in contralateral testicularblood flow. Pentoxifylline improves microvascular blood flow in conditionsof vascular insufficiency. An experimental study was designed to evaluatethe effects of pentoxifylline (Ptx) on blood flow to both testes duringunilateral testicular torsion and detorsion.Materials and methods: Thirty-six adult male albino Wistar rats wererandomly divided into six groups where each consisted of six rats: group1: sham operation, group 2: sham operation with Ptx, group 3: torsion,group 4: torsion with Ptx, group 5: detorsion, group 6: detorsion with Ptx.After intraperitoneal administration of Ptx at a dose of 50 mg/kg 15minutes before torsion; right testes of the rats underwent 30 minutes oftorsion and 30 minutes of detorsion. Blood flows of both testes weremeasured during torsion and detorsion simultaneously by using ¹³³Xeclearance technique.Results: Unilateral testicular torsion caused decrease in bilateraltesticular blood flow. Pentoxifylline had no effect on testicular blood flowduring torsion. Detorsion caused a partially increase in blood flow toipsilateral (detorted) testis, but had no effect on contralateral (nontorted)testicular blood flow. Pentoxifylline administration during detorsionsignificantly increased blood flow to both testes.Conclusions: Testicular torsion is a pathological process that causesdecreased blood flow to both testes. Pentoxifylline improves blood flow toboth testes during detorsion in a rat model of testicular torsion. Furtherstudies are needed to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline on testiculartorsion.     

Experimental testicular torsion: Effect on endocrine and exocrine function and contralateral testicular histology

Summary In order to investigate whether unilateral testicular torsion exerts a negative influence on the previously undisturbed contralateral side, exocrine and endocrine testicular function were evaluated before and two months after torsion. A rat model with 6 hours', 12 hours' or permanent extravaginal 540° torsion of the right testis was used; a sham operated group of animals served as controls. Ejaculates were collected by electrostimulation; LH, FSH and testosterone serum levels were determined by radioimmunoassays. Eight weeks after torsion sperm output had decreased by half in the experimental groups, and LH levels increased significantly, whereas the other hormone levels, as well as the controls, remained unchanged. Morphometry of the contralateral testis revealed no alterations except a significant increase of the Leydig cells and interstitial cells in some subgroups. All observed changes correlate with the functional loss of one testis; definite evidence for contralateral damage was not observed.     

Hemodynamic effects of experimental testicular torsion

Summary Experimental testicular torsion must be used for certain studies of clinical relevance, but most experimental models either do not provide hemodynamic alteration comparable to the clinical situation or cannot guarantee reproducibility. Using a rat model arterial perfusion and hemorrhagic infarction were correlated to the degree of both intra- and extravaginal testicular torsion. Arterial inflow was measured sequentially with radiolabelled microspheres, hemorrhagic infarction was judged by the increase of testicular weight. Maximal hemorrhagic infarction and reproducible values were found when the spermatic cord was twisted togehter with the tunica vaginalis for 360°–540°.     

睾丸扭转诊治体会(附39例报告)

目的 提高睾丸扭转的诊治水平。方法 对39例睾丸扭转患者的临床资料进行总结。39例均有睾丸绞痛症状，Prehn征阳性20例。8例行阴囊核素显像检查，均有放射性分布缺损。B超显示睾丸、附睾在阴囊内位置改变，睾丸内血流减少或消失。结果 5例12h以内手术者，睾丸均存活；5例12～24h手术者，3例睾丸存活；27例超过24h手术者，仅6例睾丸存活。2例未手术。结论 阴囊核素显像、B超对睾丸扭转早期诊断很有帮助。早期诊断、及时治疗是提高疗效的关键。     

Efficacy of antioxidant treatment in the prevention of testicular atrophy in experimental testicular torsion

Background/Purpose

This study aimed to compare dose schedules of the antioxidant treatment (melatonin and steroid) used as 1 dose and as once a day for 7 days in terms of salvage of the testes in the late period.

Methods

Sixty prepubertal rats were divided into 6 groups each containing 10 rats: sham (S), torsion-detorsion (TD), 1-dose melatonin (M¹), 1-dose steroid (ST¹), 7-dose melatonin (M⁷), and 7-dose steroid (ST⁷) groups. The left testes were rotated 720° for 6 hours and detorsed for 6 hours thereafter. In the treatment groups, 17 mg/kg melatonin and 1 mg/kg steroid were injected 15 minutes before detorsion. Left orchiectomies were performed to determine testicular weights and Johnsen scores 3 months later.

Results

Testicular weights and Johnsen scores in the M¹, ST¹, and TD groups were significantly lower compared with those in the S group, and atrophy developed in these groups, whereas they were higher in the M⁷ and ST⁷ groups compared with the TD group. Testicular atrophy did not develop in the M⁷ or ST⁷ groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that antioxidant agents used once a day for 7 days prevent testicular atrophy and are effective in terms of salvage of the testes.     

Right paratesticular abscess mimicking neonatal testicular torsion and caused by Proteus mirabilis

The clinical presentation of neonatal paratesticular abscess may closely resemble that of, neonatal testicular torsion and the use of scrotal ultrasonography to differentiate the two has low, sensitivity. We propose early operative treatment of suspected neonatal testicular torsion to salvage, the testicle in cases of paratesticular abscesses. This is a report of the successful transinguinal, drainage of a right neonatal paratesticular abscess preoperatively diagnosed as testicular torsion and, caused by Proteus mirabilis. The testicle was salvaged.